Power Yoga![]() Power yoga is a high intensity form of yoga, closely related to Ashtanga. It does not focus as much on meditation as many of the other types of yoga do, but is geared more towards delivering an athletic workout. Power yoga is a newer type of yoga and is intended as a more active form that is designed to improve your endurance, muscular tone, and core strength. Power yoga does not follow a specific series of poses, so its practice varies widely among instructors, but all power yoga puts an emphasis on strength and flexibility. Power Yoga as a term is primarily used in the Western hemisphere to describe sets of asanas, or poses, taken from many different types of yoga. There are at least four distinct schools with specific approaches to yoga. Baron Baptiste is the founder of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga; Bryan Kest developed his own form of Power yoga in Los Angeles; Larry Schultz created Rocket Yoga; Beryl Bender Birch bases his school in New York and is the author of Power yoga books like Boomer Yoga and Beyond Power Yoga. Interestingly, Schultz, Birch, and Kest were all once students of a single Power yoga instructor, K. Pattabhi Jois. Types of MovementsPower yoga uses basic yoga poses derived mainly from Ashtanga yoga. The positions themselves are not difficult for beginners, but the transitions may be tricky at first. The movements involve transitioning the body into stretches at a slow deliberate pace, keeping concentration the whole time, then holding those positions. The level of intensity and challenges to flexibility and endurance are raised by increasing the time one holds the poses. Power yoga almost entirely abandons characteristics and exercises familiar in other, gentler types of yogas, like chanting exercises and mentally focused movements. Instead, Power yoga requires participants to focus primarily on cardiovascular benefits, although distinguished from Bikram or Hot yoga by the absence of a hot room. Power yoga provides a full-body workout. The limbs and joints get stretched and flexed. Muscles strain to keep the poses and the brain concentrates to control the movements while staying in a state of relaxation. While power yoga is not as focused on the spirit as many of the other types of yoga, the exercise emphasizes concentration and clarity of purpose, so it does produce a soothing, calming effect. Mental and Physical RequirementsPower yoga is a more demanding type of yoga, so one must have a decent amount of stamina and flexibility. For athletes and individuals who are already physically fit, this won't be a problem, but others may want to transition into power yoga from other activities. Power yoga also takes a great deal of concentration to perform correctly, so you must have the ability to rid yourself of distractions and focus on the exercise. Equipment Required
Mental and Physical BenefitsMental
Physical
Aerobic EffectPower yoga requires one to practice controlled breathing while performing the sometimes difficult movements. This challenge elevates the heart rate and creates an aerobic effect. The effectiveness of power yoga at delivering an aerobic exercise will be apparent to anyone who participates in or observes a workout, as it can be a very sweaty activity. Power yoga builds strength, stamina and flexibility. It tones muscles due to the challenge of holding the poses. It improves one's ability to concentrate and focus. The aerobic effect strengthens the heart and lungs and burns calories. https://maxinternet.biz/cheap-gymnastics-bars ![]() Most people are attracted to power yoga because in addition to the very physical workout they get, they receive mental and emotional benefits too. Toxins and waste are washed away, leaving them refreshed, and the mind is calmed and relaxed. Power yoga is a type of yoga developed to suit the expectations of Western students. It is both active and physical and cerebral and emotional. The basic equipment needed for power yoga are appropriate clothing and a good mat. You must wear clothes that are comfortable and un-restrictive. They should allow your skin to breath as you will get very warm. A mat must be sufficiently padded, but must also be firm enough to keep you steady in some poses that require more balance. Since this is a sweat-inducing activity, bringing a water bottle and a small towel are very good ideas. |